Continental, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, has launched a new product in Australia that is specially designed for electric vehicles. The Continental eContact is a tyre that claims to offer better performance, efficiency, and comfort for drivers of electric cars.
Why electric cars need special tyres
Electric cars have many advantages over conventional cars, such as lower emissions, lower maintenance costs, and lower engine noise. However, they also pose some challenges for tyres, such as:
- Increased weight: Electric cars are heavier than petrol cars, due to the large batteries they require. This means that the tyres have to support more load and withstand more stress.
- Instant torque: Electric cars can accelerate faster than petrol cars, thanks to the instant power delivery of the electric motors. This means that the tyres have to cope with more traction and wear.
- Lower noise: Electric cars are quieter than petrol cars, which makes the tyre noise more noticeable to the driver and the passengers. This means that the tyres have to be more silent and reduce the road noise.
How Continental eContact solves these challenges
The Continental eContact is a tyre that has been specifically formulated to handle the increased weight and instantaneous torque of electric cars. According to Continental, the tyre has the following features:
- Heavy load capacity: The tyre has a new HL (heavy load) designation, which means that it can carry at least three load indexes higher than a standard extra load (XL) tyre for any size.
- Optimal grip: The tyre has a tread pattern that has been acoustically optimised to block the path of sound waves and inhibit tyre noise. The tyre also has a layer of viscous sealant that can seal 80 per cent of punctures up to 5mm in diameter, which is useful for electric cars that often lack a spare tyre.
- ContiSilent technology: The tyre has a special foam layer inside the tyre that can reduce the interior noise by up to 9db. This makes the ride more comfortable and quiet for the occupants of the electric car.
Which electric cars can use the Continental eContact
The Continental eContact is available for a range of popular electric vehicles from brands such as Tesla, MG, Polestar, and Hyundai. The tyre is compatible with different sizes and models of electric cars, and can be fitted by authorised dealers across Australia.
The Continental eContact is the latest in a growing range of electric-car tyres from competitor brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Hankook, and others. These tyres aim to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Australia and around the world, and to provide a safer, smoother, and more sustainable driving experience.
